Locavore Ideas: Visit a “Pick Your Own” Farm

Recently a friend visited with fresh organic blueberries her family had picked at a local farm. The pie she made was scrumptious, and the family experience was certainly quality time. As a child, the only farm I ever visited to “pick your own” was a Christmas tree farm. Even though we have an extensive garden and orchard, I will make sure my kids get to experience the organic blueberry farm.

Photo by mccun934

Visit a local farm and pick your own fruits and veggies!

Pickyourown.org helps you find a farm in your area if you live in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. You start by picking your state, then narrow it down by region. There aren’t any “pick your own” farms in my mountainous county, but in the neighboring county there are five. From blueberries to cherries, there are many seasonal options available. The site also includes information on how to can and freeze the food you pick.

One of the great things about taking your kids to a “pick your own” farm is they don’t weigh you upon leaving! Kids will eat as many berries as they pick to take home, and it is good for all of us to connect to our gathering roots. “Pick your own” farms also make great class field trips for schools.